Saskatchewan Government hits the brakes on changes to social services program

The provincial government is changing its tune on changes to social assistance supplement programs.

Initially the changes were to come in on September 1st and about 2,700 people on disability would see a reduction in their social assistance payments.

However after an outcry the province is slowing down the process and will meet with all 2,700 clients individually to discuss their case.

They’re looking to re-design programs after recommendations from the poverty-reduction strategy’s advisory group, saying some people were double dipping on payments.

Merv Bender the Chair of PIAT (Program Implementation Advisory Team) for SAID says he’s grateful the government is reviewing this move.

However, the NDP calls the cuts “cold-hearted” and suggests the Sask Party’s decision needs to be reversed, not just pushed back by several months.

NDP Social Services Critic Nicole Rancourt suggests the Sask Party knows their decision was a mistake.

“By delaying the cuts, the Sask. Party has clearly realized the damage they are doing to Saskatchewan’s most vulnerable people by slashing supports through the SAID program,” said Rancourt . “But simply delaying the cut by a few months will only add more uncertainly to those affected, as they continue to wonder how they will pay for basic necessities like rent and groceries.”

Rancourt said that the Sask. Party needs to admit they made a mistake, and reverse the decision to cut the SAID program immediately.